24th December 2016 – overcast/rain at times WSW5/7
Offshore
A check of the sea on the falling tide (0830-0930) produced 36 Kittiwake, 26 Razorbill, 12 Gannet, 12 Common Scoter, 5 Red-throated Diver, 2 Guillemot and a Fulmar. In addition the sheltered eastern shore added a Great Northern Diver and 5 Long-tailed Duck.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult Greenland White-fronted Geese and 50 Barnacle Geese remain along with 2 female Scaup and 14 Shoveler. Waders included 3000 Knot and 10 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Grey Wagtail looks to be settling in for the winter.
Razorbills on the move
21st December 2016 – sunshine and showers WSW4/5
Offshore
An evening check of the sea on the rising tide (1500-1600) produced an astonishing 3450 Razorbill along with 180 Kittiwake, 30 Guillemot, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult Greenland White-fronted Geese continue in residence.
Offshore
An evening check of the sea on the rising tide (1500-1600) produced an astonishing 3450 Razorbill along with 180 Kittiwake, 30 Guillemot, 4 Red-throated Diver, 4 Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Gannet.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult Greenland White-fronted Geese continue in residence.
Hen Harrier reappears
19th December 2016 – overcast/misty V1
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 Greenland White-fronted Geese remain in residence.
Miscellaneous
The ringtail Hen Harrier put in another appearance and at least 60 Little Egret continue to roam the eastern shore.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 Greenland White-fronted Geese remain in residence.
Miscellaneous
The ringtail Hen Harrier put in another appearance and at least 60 Little Egret continue to roam the eastern shore.
Another day, another Brent Goose record
18th December 2016 – sunny spells SSE1/2
Offshore
Another check of the sea at dawn revealed 32 Shag, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Common Scoter and 2 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 4 Redwing and a Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held a record 349 pale-bellied birds and the 50 Barnacle Geese, 2 Greenland White-fronted Geese and female Scaup continue to linger. Waders included 6430 Oystercatcher, 3650 Knot, 3370 Dunlin, 1525 Lapwing, 1410 Redshank, 1021 Curlew along with 2 Jack Snipe amongst 280 Snipe, 12 Purple Sandpiper, 10 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A group of 10 Twite were again logged.
Offshore
Another check of the sea at dawn revealed 32 Shag, 5 Red-throated Diver, 3 Common Scoter and 2 Kittiwake.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 4 Redwing and a Fieldfare.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held a record 349 pale-bellied birds and the 50 Barnacle Geese, 2 Greenland White-fronted Geese and female Scaup continue to linger. Waders included 6430 Oystercatcher, 3650 Knot, 3370 Dunlin, 1525 Lapwing, 1410 Redshank, 1021 Curlew along with 2 Jack Snipe amongst 280 Snipe, 12 Purple Sandpiper, 10 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A group of 10 Twite were again logged.
Scaup increase and Shag appear in record numbers
17th December 2016 – early mist/fog/frost then sunny spells/calm
Offshore
The day dawned to calm seas which revealed a post roost congregation of 38 Shag along with 4600 Eider and 51 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 34 Redwing, 12 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Groups of 40 Pink-footed Geese and 3 Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult Greenland White-fronted Geese remain and the Brent Goose flock held 277 pale-bellied birds. A total of 16 Scaup were logged.
Miscellaneous
A male Lady Amherst’s Pheasant was an incongruous sight as it skulked amongst the island’s hedgerows. Raptors included 2 Merlin and a Peregrine.
Offshore
The day dawned to calm seas which revealed a post roost congregation of 38 Shag along with 4600 Eider and 51 Common Scoter.
Grounded Migrants
Early morning thrushes involved 34 Redwing, 12 Fieldfare and a Mistle Thrush.
Diurnal Migration
Groups of 40 Pink-footed Geese and 3 Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult Greenland White-fronted Geese remain and the Brent Goose flock held 277 pale-bellied birds. A total of 16 Scaup were logged.
Miscellaneous
A male Lady Amherst’s Pheasant was an incongruous sight as it skulked amongst the island’s hedgerows. Raptors included 2 Merlin and a Peregrine.
Scaup reappears
16th December 2016 – overcast/drizzle at times S2/3
Offshore
Early morning observations (0815-0915) produced just 7 Shag, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
The single Fieldfare and Redwing were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 White-fronted Geese continue in residence and 100 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged along with a redhead Goosander and female Scaup. Waders included 10 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A group of 10 Twite, 2 Water Rail and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
Offshore
Early morning observations (0815-0915) produced just 7 Shag, 3 Red-throated Diver and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Grounded Migrants
The single Fieldfare and Redwing were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 White-fronted Geese continue in residence and 100 pale-bellied Brent Geese were logged along with a redhead Goosander and female Scaup. Waders included 10 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A group of 10 Twite, 2 Water Rail and a Merlin were the best of the rest.
Brent Geese continue to break records
15th December 2016 – overcast SE2/3
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0815-0915) produced 26 Red-throated Diver, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Shag and 7 Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult White-fronted Geese continue to linger a dark-bellied Brent Goose was amongst a record 345 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 2000 Knot, 2000 Dunlin, 1300 Lapwing and 800 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
At least 26 Rock Pipit were flushed as the tide inundated the island’s saltmarshes.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0815-0915) produced 26 Red-throated Diver, 8 Red-breasted Merganser, 7 Shag and 7 Razorbill.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult White-fronted Geese continue to linger a dark-bellied Brent Goose was amongst a record 345 pale-bellied birds. Waders included 2000 Knot, 2000 Dunlin, 1300 Lapwing and 800 Golden Plover.
Miscellaneous
At least 26 Rock Pipit were flushed as the tide inundated the island’s saltmarshes.
Geese continue to perform
11th December 2016 – overcast SW3
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0815-0915) produced 26 Razorbill, 25 Kittiwake,16 Common Scoter, 4 Gannet and a Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
Geese continue to dominate with 50 Barnacle Geese, 20 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 2 White-fronted Geese logged. Waders included 1000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
At least 58 Little Egret remain along the eastern shore and a Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0815-0915) produced 26 Razorbill, 25 Kittiwake,16 Common Scoter, 4 Gannet and a Guillemot.
Wildfowl and Waders
Geese continue to dominate with 50 Barnacle Geese, 20 pale-bellied Brent Geese and 2 White-fronted Geese logged. Waders included 1000 Knot.
Miscellaneous
At least 58 Little Egret remain along the eastern shore and a Peregrine was the best of the rest.
Scaup influx
10th December 2016 – overcast SW1/2
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0815-0915) produced 33 Common Scoter, 25 Kittiwake, 4 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver and 4 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A group of 7 Redwing were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult White-fronted Geese continue to linger and a flock of 9 Scaup were recorded. Waders included 3000 Knot, 550 Golden Plover and 50 Snipe.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Water Rail were scattered across the island and additional sightings included 31 Twite and a Short-eared Owl.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0815-0915) produced 33 Common Scoter, 25 Kittiwake, 4 Gannet, 4 Red-throated Diver and 4 Shag.
Grounded Migrants
A group of 7 Redwing were logged.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult White-fronted Geese continue to linger and a flock of 9 Scaup were recorded. Waders included 3000 Knot, 550 Golden Plover and 50 Snipe.
Miscellaneous
At least 3 Water Rail were scattered across the island and additional sightings included 31 Twite and a Short-eared Owl.
Long-tailed Duck reappears
9th December 2016 – overcast/rain SW3
Offshore
The female/immature Long-tailed Duck was again off the eastern shore.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult White-fronted Geese and 50 Barnacle Geese remain in residence. Waders included 10 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit amongst 76 Bar-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin hunted the Goldfinch and Linnet flocks.
Offshore
The female/immature Long-tailed Duck was again off the eastern shore.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult White-fronted Geese and 50 Barnacle Geese remain in residence. Waders included 10 Greenshank and a Black-tailed Godwit amongst 76 Bar-tailed Godwit.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin hunted the Goldfinch and Linnet flocks.
Little Egret origins revealed
7th December 2016 – overcast rain at times S3
Offshore
A late afternoon check of the sea as the light faded produced 12 Kittiwake, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult White-fronted Geese continue to linger.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret remain prominent along the eastern shore.
Ringing
The Little Egrets included a colour-ringed bird from North Wales.
Offshore
A late afternoon check of the sea as the light faded produced 12 Kittiwake, 2 Red-throated Diver and a Red-breasted Merganser.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult White-fronted Geese continue to linger.
Miscellaneous
Little Egret remain prominent along the eastern shore.
Ringing
The Little Egrets included a colour-ringed bird from North Wales.
Jack Snipe
4th December 2016 – sunny spells E3/4
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0830-0930) produced 58 Razorbill, 12 Kittiwake, 8 Common Scoter and 3 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 315 Pink-footed Geese headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult White-fronted Geese remain and 4 Jack Snipe were amongst 12 Snipe.
Offshore
An early morning check of the sea (0830-0930) produced 58 Razorbill, 12 Kittiwake, 8 Common Scoter and 3 Red-throated Diver.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 315 Pink-footed Geese headed north.
Wildfowl and Waders
The 2 adult White-fronted Geese remain and 4 Jack Snipe were amongst 12 Snipe.
Brent Geese continue to break records
3rd December 2016 – overcast ENE2
Offshore
A group of 14 Shag congregated on the sea early morning.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 175 Pink-footed Geese and a single Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held a record 310 pale-bellied birds and 65 dark-bellied birds. The 2 adult White-fronted Geese remain and waders included 2 Purple Sandpiper amongst 100 Turnstone.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl hunted at dawn and a ringtail Hen Harrier hunted at dusk. Flocks of 8 Raven and 85 Twite were the best of the rest.
Ringing
At least 3 colour ringed birds were amongst the Brent Goose flock involving birds ringed in Canada and Iceland.
Offshore
A group of 14 Shag congregated on the sea early morning.
Diurnal Migration
A total of 175 Pink-footed Geese and a single Whooper Swan flew through.
Wildfowl and Waders
The Brent Goose flock held a record 310 pale-bellied birds and 65 dark-bellied birds. The 2 adult White-fronted Geese remain and waders included 2 Purple Sandpiper amongst 100 Turnstone.
Miscellaneous
A Barn Owl hunted at dawn and a ringtail Hen Harrier hunted at dusk. Flocks of 8 Raven and 85 Twite were the best of the rest.
Ringing
At least 3 colour ringed birds were amongst the Brent Goose flock involving birds ringed in Canada and Iceland.
Great Northern Diver
2nd December 2016 – overcast/calm
Offshore
A check of a flat calm sea on the falling tide (1430-1500) produced 12 Red-throated Diver, 11 Common Scoter, 4 Shag and a Great Northern Diver amongst 4800 Eider.
Wildfowl and Waders
Geese sightings remain to the fore with 222 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 50 Barnacle Geese and 2 White-fronted Geese logged. Also seen were 70 Pintail, 18 Shoveler and 4 Goosanders while waders included 3000 Knot and 8 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Offshore
A check of a flat calm sea on the falling tide (1430-1500) produced 12 Red-throated Diver, 11 Common Scoter, 4 Shag and a Great Northern Diver amongst 4800 Eider.
Wildfowl and Waders
Geese sightings remain to the fore with 222 pale-bellied Brent Goose, 50 Barnacle Geese and 2 White-fronted Geese logged. Also seen were 70 Pintail, 18 Shoveler and 4 Goosanders while waders included 3000 Knot and 8 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Merlin was the best of the rest.
Geese continue in residence
1st December 2016 – overcast WNW2/3
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 55 Barnacle Geese and the 2 lingering adult White-fronted Geese. Additional sightings included 6 Shoveler and 10 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail squealed and 36 Twite were logged. At least 47 Little Egret remain.
Wildfowl and Waders
Wildfowl included 55 Barnacle Geese and the 2 lingering adult White-fronted Geese. Additional sightings included 6 Shoveler and 10 Greenshank.
Miscellaneous
A Water Rail squealed and 36 Twite were logged. At least 47 Little Egret remain.
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